In 2023, Jessica Vincent paid $3.99 for a Goodwill vase. Research uncovered its rare Carlo Scarpa design, and the overlooked glass piece sold for $107,100

Unexpected discoveries can sometimes turn an ordinary shopping trip into an extraordinary find. For Jessica Vincent, a visit to a Virginia Goodwill store led to a vase that initially seemed like an attractive piece of old glass but later proved to be a rare work connected to renowned Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa.

Vincent was browsing the shelves of a Goodwill outside Richmond with her partner, Naza Acosta, after spending the day training horses. Among measuring cups, candles and other household items, she discovered a bottle-shaped vase decorated with aqua green and amethyst purple ribbons that wound around its glass surface.

The vase appeared old, but Vincent found the words “Murano” and “Italia” on its base after looking more closely. She paid just $3.99 for it.


That changed after Vincent started researching the piece. On Dec. 13, the vase was sold through the Wright Auction House for $107,100. The buyer was a top collector from Europe who chose to remain private.

A thrift-store discovery with an unexpected history

Vincent had spent years visiting yard sales and thrift stores with her mother. She also enjoyed watching PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” and had often imagined finding something that could result in a remarkable sale.

As per Laura Faison, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, the vase may have remained on the store shelf for only some days. The stores obtain almost 2,000 fresh pieces every day, and donations frequently arrive directly from car trunks.

“It could have been someone cleaning out grandma’s basement,” Faison mentioned of the vase’s backstory. “We’ll probably never know.”

Vincent said the vase immediately felt distinctive when she picked it up. It was heavier than she expected, and although she had faced painted glass previously, the colors on this piece appeared different as they were part of the glass itself.

After returning home, Vincent shared images of the vase in Facebook groups dedicated to glass art. She eventually joined a private group concentrated on Murano glass, where she obtained details that changed her understanding of the purchase.

Research reveals the Carlo Scarpa connection

The “Murano” marking on the base referred to the island in Venice, which has been known for its glassmaking since the 13th century. Murano’s celebrated glass creations have included elaborate crystal chandeliers and mirror frames that included pieces discovered in European aristocratic palaces.

He came to know that her vase had been produced by the renowned glass company Venini and designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.

One response in the Facebook group gave Vincent chills: “Those are very rare. Every collector would love to have that. But most people cannot afford them.”

Vincent was then connected with Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago.

“The minute I saw her email,” Wright stated, “I knew what it was and how rare it was.”

Scarpa was the top Italian glass designer in the mid-20th century, and the vase belonged to a series he created in 1942. Known as Pennellate, meaning brushstroke, the series was made by incorporating colored opaque glass into the vase while it was being blown.

Experts confirm the vase’s authenticity

To verify Vincent’s discovery, Wright sent two Italian glass specialists to Virginia. Vincent had kept the vase protected inside a cardboard box, wrapped in bubble wrap and covered with a tablecloth.

“Just the look on their faces,” Vincent remembered. “It was incredible to have experts who handle very important pieces of glass who were very excited for my little thrift-store vase.”

The vase’s condition added another remarkable element to the discovery. Wright said it was in perfect condition, noting that even a small chip could have brought its value down to less than $10,000.

The final auction price reached $107,100. Wright Auction House said it would obtain about $23,600 from the sale, while Vincent would receive about $83,500.

For Vincent, the money has a practical purpose. She said a major portion will be used to install an HVAC system in an old farmhouse she recently bought. The house is now heated with space heaters. The discovery also changed how Vincent viewed the vase itself. Rather than keeping such a valuable object at home, she was relieved to see it go to a collector.

Source: Fortune

FAQs:

1. What is the story about?

The story is about an unexpected thrift-store discovery. A vase purchased for a small amount was later identified as a rare glass piece.

2. Where did Jessica Vincent find the vase?

Vincent found the vase at a Goodwill store outside Richmond, Virginia. She was browsing the store with her partner after training horses.